the concordia chimes december 2017...the motions.” be mindful as you decorate and clean and such....
TRANSCRIPT
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The Concordia Chimes December 2017
Dates to Remember December 5th - Installation of Rev. Ann Lovejoy
Johnson at St. Mary’s 7:00 p.m.
Dec 10th- Solidarity Advent Potluck
December 18th - Crocks, Cookies, and Carols –
Noon in Brandt Lounge
December 24th
Eucharist for the 4th Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. St Mary’s Episcopal
10:00 a.m. Concordia Lutheran
Christmas Eve Services
Concordia Lutheran - 8:00 p.m.
Emanuel Lutheran – 11:00 a.m.
4::00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
St Mary’s Episcopal - 4:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Service
St Mary’s – 10:00 a.m.
New Year’s Eve Service –
Sunday, December 31st
Joint Service of
Lessons and Carols with
Holy Communion,
10:00 a.m. @ Emanuel
Lutheran
The Rev. Douglas Barclay
Pastor
Office:860.649.5311 Cell:410.225.3360
Kate Bozzo
Parish Administrator
Office:860.649.5311
Laura Hart
Concordia Nursery School Director
Office: 860.649.9349
www.concordianurseryschool.org
The Rev. Joseph E. Bourret
Pastor Emeritus
Home: 860.633.6138
Richard Hicks
Minister of Music Emeritus
Bible Study on Sundays 9:00 am
Worship on Sundays at 10:00 am
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00 am –2:00 pm
Concordia Lutheran Church
40 Pitkin Street
Manchester, CT 06040
www.concordiamanchester.org
Phone: 860.649.5311
Fax: 860.432.9972
The deadline for submitting articles or
items for The Chimes is the 20th of each
month. The next edition of the Chimes will
be published at the end of October.
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From the Pastor’s Desk
December 4, 2017
Dear Concordians,
We are always a bit “off” from the world around us. In keeping
Advent, we struggle to maintain an ancient pattern of prayer and
preparation that leads up to the celebration of Christmas. The
character of Advent doesn’t simply prepare us to celebrate the birth of
Jesus but to consider and earnestly yearn for the coming of the day of
justice and peace that is promised throughout the scriptures.
We are not alone in this yearning. We join with saints from many times and places as we, once more,
enter into these weeks of watching and waiting. We join with Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary and
Joseph, the prophets, especially Isaiah, the great prophet of Advent. We gather with St. Nicholas of
Myra and John of Damascus and Ambrose, the great hymn writer. We wait in the dark night of the
soul with John of the Cross and we sit around Katharina von Bora Luther’s table of expectation as
Christmas draws nigh. Those of us advanced in age and often in wisdom overhear Simeon and
Anna’s cries of fulfillment at the sight of the Christ Child.
The blue of the vestments and altar paraments speak to us of a field of sky bedecked with stars. The
advent wreath is gradually illumined to bring increasing light as night falls earlier through
diminished light. At Concordia, a beautiful angel hovers in the chancel with trumpet in hand and they
cry out in German, “Wachet auf.” This ancient cry reminds us of scriptures encouragement to stay
awake and if we have fallen asleep to wake up.
In this edition of the Chimes, take the time to consider how you will “wake up” in this Adventide. It
might be through the use of our Advent Devotional, available in Brandt Lounge. It may be by
attending one of the Wednesday night evening services that will be offered. It may be in helping
John Corl and others on Saturday, December 16th with cutting and setting up the Concordia
Christmas Tree. It may be by responding more generously than ever to our Seasonal Sharing
campaign or by deciding to increase your weekly giving by 1, 3,5 or even 10% as we prepare to fully
fund our ministries at Concordia for the coming year.
However, you allow the angel’s herald cry to wake you up, be of good faith and good cheer this
seasons. Enter into this time of preparation with an open heart and mind. Don’t simply “go through
the motions.” Be mindful as you decorate and clean and such. Don’t shy away from taking time in
silence and contemplation.
As an Advent meditation, I leave you with these words of the hymn by Susan Cherwien, “As the
Night Awaits the Dawn.”
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As the night awaits the dawn,
so we await your light.
O Star of promise, scatter night,
loving bright, loving bright,
till shades of fear are gone.
As the blue expectant hour
before the silv'ring skies,
we long to see your day arise,
whole and wise, whole and wise,
unto your holy dawn.
As the moon reflects the sun
until the night's decrease,
may we your healing light release,
living peace, living peace,
unto your holy dawn.
Shine your future on this place,
enlighten ev'ry guest,
that through us stream your holiness,
bright and blest, bright and blest;
come dawn, O Sun of grace.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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NOVEMBER TREASURER’S REPORT
Now that we are approaching the end of the year, I wanted to provide you with a status of
Concordia’s finances through November.
Some factors going into 2017:
• At the January 2017 Semi-Annual meeting we:
o passed a budget which included a $20,610.17 deficit; and
o approved the MACC and Concordia Nursery School mission support, a total of $10,600,
would be provided through Legacy
Where we are now:
• Through November, we are at 98% of our projected enveloped giving, however only at 14%
($2,725) of “stretch” giving.
• We have “borrowed” $4,500 from the Memorial & Tributes savings account for bill payment,
payroll and mission support commitment. We are required to pay this money back to this
account.
• Legacy and Council approved $9,300 be withdrawn from Legacy to fulfill our remaining 2017
Synod mission support ($6,200) and an advance payment of $3,100 for January and February
2018.
• We have experienced reduced expenses in the area of utilities (gas, electricity) as well as
payroll for our Minister of Music position with our current staff support arrangement.
However, expenses for Maintenance & Repairs are almost $2,000 above the budgeted amount
for this year.
• Families in Crisis was unable to secure a grant to continue their work after September
reducing the amount of projected income from building use.
What we can do to get us through the end of the year:
• Continue to honor the financial commitment you made to Concordia during the 2017
Stewardship campaign. Your pledge is used to develop our budget and we are dependent on
receiving those monies for the mission and operation of Concordia. To put this in perspective,
even though we all know this, if you did not receive the money you expect each month from
your income sources, how would you be able to pay your financial commitments?
• Please prayerfully consider adding a little extra, if you are able, to you December envelopes as
well as including your December 31st giving in your December 10th, 17th or 24th envelope.
Thank you to everyone for your continued financial support of Concordia. If you have any
questions, please feel free to see me or contact me.
Carol Stoneman, Treasurer
(860) 649-7216
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Advent Solidarity Potluck
Sunday, December 10, 2017
11:30 ish
Kaiser Hall
We will be joining with New Horizons and Nueva Creación on Sunday, December 10, for a potluck
meal of solidarity with Pr. Simpson and her community of New Horizons. As you have heard, after
phone calls were received that threatened violence against the New Horizon's Thanksgiving Dinner,
we have been proactive in taking steps to work towards the security and safety of all of our partner
ministries at Concordia. Most of all, we are saddened that the calls have created an understandable
sense of anxiety and fear throughout our community, especially with the community of New
Horizons.
In light of this, we will gather together for an Advent Solidarity Potluck. Please bring a hot or cold
dish to share in Kaiser Hall and we will eat together and then prayer together that we may all worship
without fear. Before their worship service, we will once again enter the sanctuary and pray together
the prayers after the desecration of a church, the traditional ritual after a church has been materially
or spiritually desecrated and the church community has been marred by threats and fear of violence.
It is important that, Concordians in particular, make time to come to this luncheon. New Horizons is
more than a church community that simply uses our space. They are, most of all, brothers and sisters
with us in the one body of Christ, and they have been a part of Concordia's life for decades. Right
now, they need our presence and our support.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Advent Vespers shared jointly with
Emanuel, St Mary’s and Concordia
Wednesday December 6th Emanuel Lutheran Church
6:30 – Soup and Bread
7:30 –Vespers
Wednesday December 13th Concordia Lutheran Church
6:30 – Soup and Bread
7:30 –Vespers
Wednesday December 20th - (Location to be determined)
6:30 – Soup and Bread
7:30 – Vespers
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UPDATED INFORMATION
Dear Members and Friends of Concordia Lutheran Church,
As you know, from mid-September through mid-October Concordia
had its Capital Campaign to address a number of building and grounds
related projects. Pledges were received, and the building and grounds
blessed on October 15.
The purpose of this communication is to let you know of the pledges/other revenue to date for the
Capital Campaign, “For This Holy House” as follows:
PLEDGES/OTHER REVENUE Amount
42 Member Pledges $308,480
11 Non-Member Pledges/Gifts $ 6,775
Balance- For This Holy House Checking Account $ 5,429
(formerly Kitchen Fund)
Prior Designated Memorials $ 6,250
Total as December 4, 2017 $326,934
Amount of Loan from ELCA Mission Investment Fund $375,000
Those who drive or walk by can see new roofs on Kaiser Hall and the Nave as well as a newly
repaired and repainted steeple. Work has begun during this past week on the installation of lights to
illumine our walkways and parking areas. These are visible signs to the Manchester Community that
we are caring for that which has been placed by God into our hands.
After 56 years of use the range/stove in Kehl’s Kitchen has been replaced and a new range hood has
been ordered. It is expected that this will be in place in time for Christmas. Brighter lights have
been placed in the sanctuary and the choir loft.
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The Congregation Council voted at its last meeting to engage the services of a consultant well versed
in Heating and Air Conditioning to advise us on the proper route to take. Thanks to Dan Burnett we
have received information about a few possibilities but need the expertise of a consultant, so we can
make the appropriate decision. This project will take place in the spring.
On behalf of the Congregation Council and the “For This Holy House” Steering Committee, sincere
thanks and gratitude for the pledges received to date! We are well on our way! Again “mighty”
Concordia has come through!
While the formal campaign is completed, pledges are still being received. If you have not as yet
pledged and wish to do so, these are welcome at any time!
In God’s Service,
Mark L. Winzler
_______________________________________________________________________________ Christmas Open House - All members and
friends of Concordia are invited to an Open
House on Christmas Eve following the 8:00 p.m.
Eucharist (beginning approximately 9:30 p.m.)
at the home of Mark Winzler.
Come and stay for as long (or as "short") as you
would like. There will be goodies to eat as well
as "cups of Christmas cheer" available.
We have lots to celebrate and be thankful for during 2017! Please come and enjoy the company of
your fellow Concordians! All are welcome!
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Senior Luncheon Announcing
The event you've been waiting for!!
Our second annual
Crocks, Cookies, and Carols
Monday, December 18, 2017
At noon in Brandt Lounge The Menu
Comforting chili
Savory sausage and tortellini soup
Yummy corn bread
Delicious Christmas cookies
Please bring your singing voices!
Kindly call the church office at 860-649-5311 by Sunday, the 10th, to
reserve your place at the table.
See you there!!
______________________________________________________________________
Now that we have Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to start on Christmas.
We will be providing food and gifts for 8 families provided to us by MACC,
a Christmas dinner and gift cards to Dinda House, gift cards to April Time
Residential Home and gifts for families at Highland Park Elementary School.
Starting Sunday, December 3rd, the Concordia Giving Tree will be in the narthex with tags you can
take to purchase a gift. Please place your name next the person whose tag you have taken on the
sheet provided. Maximum amount for the gifts is $25. Adults will receive gift cards. We have
provided interests and sizes for the children on the tags. Highland Park Elementary School has made
a specific request for gift cards to a shoe store (there are a couple at the mall) as well as hats and
gloves. There are tags for the gift cards on the Giving Tree and a box/basket by the tree has been
provided to donate hats and gloves. Sign-ups for food donations (or you can adopt a family) will be
in Brandt Lounge on Sundays or in the Church office during the week. As usual, you can also give a
monetary donation to Concordia’s seasonal sharing efforts. FOOD AND WRAPPED GIFTS
MUST BE AT CONCORDIA NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14TH.
Thanking you all in advance for your thoughtfulness and generosity towards feeding and caring for
the greater community.
Outreach Committee
CONCORDIA SEASONAL SHARING
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Poinsettias for Christmas
Each Christmas we invite members and friends of Concordia to purchase
poinsettias for our worship space. Please consider making a gift of flowers
to Concordia this Christmas. We are also delighted to report that a brass
quartet will provide special music Christmas Eve; gifts may be made to
offset that expense as well. Financial gifts to support our ministries are also welcome.
Each poinsettia plant costs $15. Gifts for musicians and ministries are given at the giver’s discretion.
Please attach payment with this form, and return to the church office by Sunday, December 17.
Thank you.
I/We give _____ poinsettia(s) to Concordia this Christmas Eve in memory/in honor of:
I/We give $_____ to Concordia for musicians in honor/in memory of:
I/We give $_____ to support Concordia’s ministries in honor/in memory:
Name ______________________________________
Phone Number or E-mail _______________________
Poinsettias may be taken home after the Christmas Day service
Poinsettias that remain will adorn our worship space through the Christmas season.
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Concordia Nursery School News
We have been very busy this autumn. Pastor Barclay visited both classes to talk
about God and how God is with is always, even if we can’t see Him. Our four-
year-old class hosted our annual Family Feast which was a delicious and
wonderful time for all. As we prepare to enter the Advent season, the children
will be hearing various retellings of the Christmas story. All of us at Concordia
wish you a warm, peaceful and
blessed holiday season!
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_________________________________________________________________________________
Christmas Services
December 24th
Eucharist for the 4th Sunday of Advent
10:00 a.m. Concordia Lutheran
9:00 a.m. St Mary’s Episcopal
Christmas Eve Services
Concordia Lutheran - 8:00 p.m.
Emanuel Lutheran – 11:00 a.m.
4:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
St Mary’s Episcopal - 4:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Service
St Mary’s – 10:00 a.m.
New Year’s Eve Services - December 31st
Joint Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion, 10:00 a.m., Emanuel Lutheran
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Manchester
Interfaith
Thanksgiving
Turkey Drop Off for Families at Highland Park School
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Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist at St. Mary’s
Confirmation
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Baptism of
Hayden Sophia Duhaime
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Prayers of the Community Prayer requests may be made to the parish office. The names will be held in prayer for one month, unless otherwise
requested. (*Member of Concordia) (Request by Member of Concordia)
(New Intention)
Prayer requests may be made to the parish office. The names will be held in prayer for one month, unless otherwise
requested. (*Member of Concordia) (Request by Member of Concordia) (New Intention) Those who are sick or in any need,
*The Homebound
*Art Hube
Kristin Ortolani
Tammy
Shirley M.
Lynn
*Ron Schack
Twylar
Sis
Irene Donagher
John Henry
Szczerkowski
*Ella Hube
Rita
Cathreen Salesses
Artie
Desmond
*Bing Bowen
*Laura McKay
Donna
Ann
Sandie
*Millie Scott
Alice
*Jim Noyes
Judy Guido
John Scofield.
*Carol Bowen
Nancy
*Jane Nekiunas
Walter Hanson
*Ernie Scott
Richard Erickson
Lou Khee Zhee
Andrew Nolette
The Intentions of this Community:
-Concordia Nursery School Students and their
families.
-The work of MACC
-For our Cub Scout Pack
-For Pra. Mendez and Ministerio Nueva Creación -
For Pr. Simpson and the people of New Horizons.
-For Families in Crisis.
Concordia’s Calendar:
EVERY SUNDAY
Bible Study 9
Worship 10
New Horizon Church 12:30
Nueva Creación Ministry 1
EVERY MONDAY
AA - 5:30
EVERY TUESDAY
Clergy Text Study - 11
EVERY THURSDAY
Champion Youth Cheer – 5
Choir – 7
EVERY FRIDAY
AA - 7:30 p.m.
December 5th - Installation of
Rev. Ann Lovejoy Johnson at
St. Mary’s 7:00 p.m.
Dec 6th- Soup and Bread and
Vespers, St Mary’s – 6:30 p.m.
December 8th - Nueva Creación
Woman’s Ministry Christmas
Gathering – 6:00 p.m.
December 9th Lois Warrender
Funeral – 11:00 a.m.
Estonian School Christmas
Party- 12:00 p.m.
December 10 –
Advent Solidarity Potluck –
11:30 a.m.
Executive Committee – 11:45
a.m.
December 11 – Finance
Committee – 5:00 p.m.
December 12 – Congregation
Council – 7:00 p.m.
December 13th – Soup and
Bread and Vespers Concordia
6:30 p.m.
December 15th – Piano Recital
– 7:00 p.m.
December 16th - Piano Recital
– 3:00 p.m.
December 18th – Crocks and
Carols Senior Lunch – 12:00
p.m.
December 20th - Soup and
Bread and Vespers, location
TBD – 6:30 p.m.
December 23 – Set up
Christmas Tree
December 24th –
Eucharist for the 4th Sunday
of Advent
9:00 a.m. St Mary’s Episcopal
10:00 a.m. Concordia Lutheran
Christmas Eve Services
Concordia Lutheran - 8:00 p.m.
Emanuel Lutheran –
11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., 11:00
p.m.
St Mary’s - 4:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
December 25th Christmas Day
St Mary’s – 10:00 a.m.
December 25-January 1 –
Office Close
December 31st
Joint Service of Lessons and
Carols with Holy Communion,
10:00 a.m., Emanuel Lutheran
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As Lutheran Christians, Concordia understands that God is calling us to be:
• A Christian community with responsibility to support each other, our neighborhood, and the larger
community
• A Gathered Assembly marked by the practices of prayer, study, reflection and worship
• Selfless Disciples who communicate and practice the faith through acts of faithful stewardship, service
and forgiveness
CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH
40 Pitkin Street
Manchester, CT 06040
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED